Phases, Facets & Faces of Forgiveness
For God so loved the world, that He sent Jesus to redeem man and forgive all offenses. In response to God’s love for mankind, no interpersonal or intrapersonal discussion could be complete without mentioning forgiveness. While the topic of forgiveness has been researched and discussed from many different angles, each act of forgiveness is like claiming a multi-faceted jewel for the crown of life. As an illustration, ponder this for a moment; precious jewels can only be mined and appreciated after going through phases of pressure, and then the face of the stones are cut into facets that reveal its brilliance. The more jewels collected, the brighter the individual shines. Just as diamonds are rated by clarity, cut, and color, each act of an unforgiving episode only dims the light of the soul on this stage of life. Then, in subsequent scenes, the lack of forgiveness plays out in dramas that can impede clarity of thought, cut close ties with loved ones, and color every conversation with bitter thoughts and responses.
Surely, some will say that this is an overstatement, but I challenge skeptics to study the vast amount of scientific research that has been published on the benefits of forgiveness. I was fortunate enough to spend an entire semester studying the topic and was amazed by the research findings. In short, some of the most interesting studies showed how parents who modeled forgiveness empowered their children to reap the benefit of healthier relationships.
By the end of the semester, I was most intrigued by the thought that God “fore-gave” mankind or more succinctly, He actually sent Jesus to “fore-give” His life, even before we were born and thought about sinning against Him. While this word association was intriguing, what was more interesting is the notion that God already knew who would betray each of us; hurt, or manipulate others and He still chose/chooses to forgive. More importantly, He knows the damage that can be done when we choose not to forgive. In return, He promises to restore anything that was lost in the process. This is the justice in God’s forgiveness.
For example, it is like getting into a car accident and the other driver says, “I’m sorry, my dad will handle it.” Then the dad instantly appears with a better car and pays a little extra for the trouble. Forgiveness works in much the same way, while it is not instant, God promises to take care of the damages and makes sure His children are covered or compensated for any losses. In essence, forgiveness can also be seen as the premium (or payment) we make on the insurance or assurance of God’s favor.
Phases, Facets & Faces of Forgiveness Part II
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You are correct that ‘letting go’ is not easy, in fact it is the most difficult, yet necessary thing to do when you have been ‘offended’. It is the only way to live a life free of emotional bondage.I have been ‘offended’ in ways that I am most certain that you could never imagine, and I was determined for many years not to ‘let go’(forgive). I wanted to punish my ‘offenders’ and was afraid that my forgiveness would condone their vile acts.I have learned, through much suffering, that the only way to move forward was to ‘let go’ of the emotional ties that were keeping me from living my life to its happiest potential. I have never condoned, nor will I ever forget these vile acts, but they do not have power over me anymore.’Letting go’ is the ONLY way:)P.S. I did not learn this through any religion that I studied, but through the help of some very wise, and loving people that are in my life:)
Thank you so much for sharing~ Robin W Josef
Im not going to say what everyone else has already said, but I do need to comment on your understanding of the topic. Youre really well-informed. I cant believe just how much of this I just wasnt conscious of. Thank you for bringing more details to this topic for me. Im really grateful and genuinely impressed.
Thanks
I love to read my wife’s blog in that it gives me insight into her mseidnt that I may not otherwise be privy to. I also find the comments section really interesting since it gives me a view into the thoughts of others. I often say that we only have the opportunity to live one life but if we listen and try to understand we can gain understanding that comes from many lives. This subject was one of those opportunities. I found myself respecting deeply the thoughtful and personal insights bound in the wisdom of others. I can honestly say that adversity has been the greatest catalyst in my life for change. Yes I may find true forgiveness somewhat out of reach at times but to strive to give up that emotional baggage is the only option that I consider a reasonable option. I think we sometimes get hung up on the semantics of the word, “forgiveness”.